On October 3rd, he broke that promise — unleashing a wave of discontent across Russia that some observers are calling one of the biggest domestic political challenges the Russian leader has ever faced.

Just a few years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin looked deep into a television camera and promised Russians that he’d never, ever raise their retirement age.

Just a few years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin looked deep into a television camera and promised Russians that he’d never, ever raise their retirement age.